Styled like Thor’s hammer, now electrified too – meet the Volvo C40 Recharge.
Fully electric, a pure EV from Volvo arrives in the shape of a compact city-centric SUV. Pictured here in electric blue, the shape favours coupe lines, sharp Scandinavian creases and without so much as consulting the spec sheet, is instantly desirable. The Swedish firm knows how to style a sliver of premium motorcar, and this one, while naturally reminiscent of the XC40, exudes curb appeal. Built on the marque’s modular CMA platform, it becomes Volvo’s first purely electric vehicle. And if that doesn’t engorge the conservationists with glee, there’s the fact that is 100% of leather. Yet, is lathered in luxury, with the same cabin and technological offerings as the XC40 Recharge hybrid that was recently released. Its infotainment brain was co-developed with Google, and ergo is equipped with the brand’s premiere suite of apps and integrateables.
In the words of Henrik Green, Volvo’s chief technology officer, “The C40 Recharge represents the future of Volvo and shows where we are going. It is fully electric, offered online only with a convenient care package and will be available for quick delivery.” I repeat for effect, online only. And in Mzansi? Greg Maruszewski, MD at Volvo Car SAsays an official launch is yet to be finalised, but the XC40 Recharge is imminent.
Power is derived from twin electric motors, one at the front and one on the rear axle. The powertrain further consists of a 78kWh battery (fastcharged to 80 percent in about 40 minutes). This makes for a projected range of 420km. Oh, and for the enduring ‘petrol’ head – it’ll blast from standstill to 100kph in just 4.9 seconds. Making this your post-fossil fuel life, especially if you’re a Volvo die-hard. By 2030, electric cars will make up 100% of their passenger car range.
